There are several unique selling points and notable advantages that make macOS a better desktop operating system than Windows from Microsoft, ChromeOS from Google, and Linux distributions like Debian and Ubuntu. This Unix-based operating system from Apple has gained a considerable market grip due to effective business and marketing strategies that created a customer base with strong adherence to Apple products. There are also numerous drawbacks or disadvantages that make macOS not a competent alternative to Windows.
Pros of macOS: Reasons Why Mac Computers are Better than Windows PCs
1. Streamlined User Interface Without Compromising Functions
One of the advantages of macOS over Windows is a simpler and more streamlined user interface and user experience. Note that both operating systems have convenient and practical graphical user interfaces or GUI. However, macOS has a more straightforward GUI that is similar to the uncomplicated interface of the iOS used in iPhones and iPadOS used in iPads.
The user workflow of macOS is similar to iOS. For instance, installing and launching apps are almost similar in both Mac computers and iPhones or iPads. This is also true for updating and deleting apps. Apps are primarily available in the App Store. Once downloaded and installed, they are housed in a centralized app drawer called the Launchpad. A single folder destination called Application also houses further details and components related to each app.
Windows has a more complicated user workflow because apps or programs are installed in numerous folder paths and roots. Software updates are not centralized as well. Every program has its own update mechanism unlike in macOS and even in ChromeOS.
A simpler GUI could appeal to individuals who just want to get their work done. However, it is worth stressing the fact that each operating system has its own degree of ease and difficulty. They are not intuitive by default. Nonetheless, when compared to Windows, macOS is cleaner and more upfront. It is as simple as an iOS but as powerful as Windows.
2. Better and Consistent Operating System and Hardware Integration
Adherents of Apple products would argue that their MacBook laptops or Mac desktop computers outcompete Windows-based computers due to the seamless software-hardware integration. There is some truth to this claim. This fact has been reestablished further with the introduction and utilization of the Apple M series of systems-on-chips.
Take note that Apple is both a software developer and a hardware designer. This dual role enables the company to optimize macOS based on the specifications of the hardware components of a particular Mac computer. The result is a seamless integration between the operating system and the collective hardware. This integration due to optimization results in effective and efficient computing operations.
In the case of Windows, while Microsoft designs and manufactures its Windows-based computers under the Microsoft Surface product line, there are other third-party Windows-based manufacturers and vendors. Some of these manufacturers merely assemble the different hardware components sourced from different original equipment manufacturers or OEMs. These random assemblies are susceptible to compatibility and optimization issues.
3. Lesser Malware Availability and Other Security Issues or Vulnerabilities
Another notable advantage of macOS over Windows and thus, one of the reasons why Mac computers are better than Windows-based PCs is the lesser susceptibility to security issues and vulnerabilities. Unlike Windows, there are fewer malware such as viruses and worms created for this operating system.
Of course, while some Apple adherents would claim that their MacBook laptops or Mac desktop computers are completely invulnerable to malware, take note that this is no longer true. The growing popularity of Mac devices is redirecting the attention of hackers toward the development of malware that would exploit the security vulnerabilities of macOS.
Apple has managed to keep macOS and Mac computers generally safer than Windows and Windows-based PCs by promoting the use of the App Store rather than downloading apps from third-party sources. Those apps that are available in the App Store have undergone rigorous testing to ensure that they are free from malware or suspicious programming.
It is also worth mentioning that Windows requires rigid maintenance work than macOS which includes scheduling and running antimalware scans, updating drivers, and individually patching programs. Furthermore, Windows is riddled with clutter and bloatware issues.
4. Bundled With Several Free and Preinstalled Productivity Applications
A MacBook laptop or Mac desktop computer comes preloaded with several apps useful for productivity. For example, Apple has its own office productivity app that rivals the Microsoft Office Suite. These apps include Pages, Numbers, and Keynote, which are equivalents of MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint, respectively.
Mac devices are also preloaded with apps for creative professionals. Examples are the image manipulation app iPhoto and the video-editing app iMovie, as well as the music production app called GarageBand. Other useful apps include the web browser Safari, the email client Mail, and other communication apps such as Messages and FaceTime.
With regard to Windows, the Microsoft Office Suite is usually sold separately. Take note that Both Windows and productivity programs from Windows are very expensive. In addition, some Windows-based PCs come with random programs that merely bloat the entire system and available storage space.
5. Designed With Specialized and Incomparable Multitasking Features
Multitasking is another selling point and advantage of macOS over Windows. Note that Windows handles multitasking fairly well. However, when compared to macOS, it lags considerably. Mac devices have dedicated keys, keyboard shortcuts, and trackpad or mouse gestures for easily switching between apps.
There are also multiple “desktops” that are equivalent to separate workspaces in a macOS. These workspaces allow a user to organize all running apps based on his or her preference. For instance, the first desktop might run all productivity apps while the second desktop might include apps for Internet browsing and media consumption. Switching between desktops is very easy using the dedicated shortcut keys or specific trackpad or mouse gestures.
It is worth reiterating the fact that macOS is specifically optimized for and seamlessly integrated with the hardware components of a particular Mac computer. This means that the overall operation remains smooth and responsive, especially while under heavy use or while a user is multitasking between several running apps.
6. Strong Close Integration with Other Apple Devices, Software, and Services
One of the remarkable strengths of Apple is that most of its products and services are completely integrated, thus creating a single product ecosystem. Take note that the iPhone or iPad works best with a Mac computer, especially for backing up, troubleshooting, and managing the files installed on a particular iOS or iPadOS device.
The seamless assimilation between Apple devices makes switching between devices easy and very intuitive. A user can start a task using an app installed on his or her iOS device and continue it using an equivalent app installed on his or her Mac computer. This lessens the need to synchronize the device using cables and plugs or upload and download the file or document using cloud-based storage services such as Google Drive and OneDrive.
Synchronizing pertinent data and information such as user information or preferences, address book entries, and messages between a Mac computer and an iPhone or iPad is fairly straightforward. In addition, there are several equivalent apps across the macOS and iOS operating systems that simplify cross-platform usage. Examples of these apps include Pages, Numbers, and Keynote, among others.
Cons of MacOS: Reasons why Mac Computers are NOT Better than Windows PCs
1. Expensive Price Points of Mac Desktop Computers and MacBook Laptops
One significant disadvantage of macOS, especially when compared to Windows, Linux, and ChromeOS devices, is that Mac and MacBook devices are very expensive. Apple products are expensive in general. MacBook Pro or the MacBook Air are even more expensive than high-tier and dedicated Windows-based laptops in most cases.
A single MacBook Pro or a Mac Studio and Mac Pro are worth thousands of dollars. Their prices can reach an astronomical level at the highest hardware configurations. The cost of a base 14-inch MacBook Pro is equivalent to about two mid-range laptop computers. The cost of a high-tier 16-inch MacBook Pro or Mac Pro is equivalent to two to three gaming PCs.
Remember that macOS is an operating system built exclusively for Mac devices. There are macOS derivatives called Hackintosh. A Hackintosh is essentially a non-Apple or non-Mac computer that runs macOS. Note that this is illegal and unoptimized. The operating system from Apple remains a proprietary product and users found using a Hackintosh can be sued for violating intellectual property laws, especially pertinent copyright laws.
The expensive price points of Mac computers somehow lessen the further adaption or market grip of macOS. Remember that macOS is exclusive to these devices. Budget-conscious consumers are better off purchasing a Windows-based computer or building their own device using a licensed and purchased Windows operating system.
2. Very Limited Hardware Customization Options and Inflexible to Upgrades
It has been established that one of the drawbacks of macOS is that it is inherently attached to a Mac computer and its components. This drawback also speaks of another disadvantage: limited hardware upgrade options. For example, most of the hardware components of a MacBook or a Mac such as the CPU or RAM cannot be upgraded easily. Most of these components are soldered and integrated at both design and engineering levels.
On the other hand, a number of desktop and laptop computers that ship with Windows provide a higher degree of upgrades and customizability. A user can even build his or her own Windows or Linux desktop PC setup based on his or her preferences or requirements by purchasing and assembling needed hardware components like CPUs and GPUs.
The ability to replace hardware components is critical to extending the lifespan of a computer. A Mac computer has a long lifespan due to the design and engineering considerations of Apple but a single component failure can leave the entire device inoperable and would require repair. Repairs can be very expensive outside a warranty or insurance.
3. Scarcity of Game Titles and Absence of Advanced Gaming Performance
The fact remains that macOS is not attractive to PC gamers despite its level of popularity. There are more game titles available for Windows. Some of these titles are even exclusive to Windows. This is another remarkable disadvantage of macOS. Windows is still the undisputed platform for PC gaming. It even outcompetes video game consoles under the PlayStation and Xbox product lines in terms of overall performance and selection of game titles.
Software developers would often develop games for Windows first before developing for macOS. This is because Windows is an established operating system for gamers. Furthermore, some titles from small or independent developers that have gained a large following are unavailable for Mac computers. Cross-platform development can be expensive.
Hardware is also an issue. The base models of the MacBook Pro and Mac are not built for gaming due to limited RAM and a lack of discrete graphics processors. Remember that most Windows PCs offer a high degree of hardware upgrades and customization. This means that a Windows-based computer can easily adapt to changing gaming requirements by featuring the latest and required hardware components.
The Apple M series chips have powerful CPUs and GPUs. However, despite this, the integrated graphics processor is not as powerful as a discrete graphics processor like the GeForce RTX from Nvidia or Radeon from AMD. Apple also has its own Metal graphics application programming interface but it is not as universal as OpenGL and Vulkan. There are manufacturers like Asus and Alienware that have optimized their computers for Windows PC gaming.
4. Limited Number of Apps Available in the App Store or Other Sources
Furthermore, similar to the scarcity of an extensive list of video game titles, macOS also suffers from another disadvantage centered on its relatively limited app ecosystem. Windows still has more software programs. This is true for programs or apps from both mainstream software developers and smaller or independent software developers.
The favorable predisposition of software developers toward Windows comes from the fact that this operating system still has the largest market share. This popularity is due to the affordability and accessibility of Windows desktop and laptop computers. Developing programs for Windows can translate to a better market reach and a potential for quicker profitability. These two factors are critical for smaller or independent software developers.
It is also worth noting that the aforementioned is also true for non-commercial software programs. Specifical examples include enterprise systems, internal or exclusive software or apps, and government-developed software programs. There are still more Windows users around the world despite the growing popularity of macOS in recent years.
